OT: 4th of July Safety briefing

As most of you know, I am an amateur pyrotechnician, working on getting certified to put on my own fireworks shows. As a trained professional, I feel it incumbent on myself to pass on some words of wisdom concerning fireworks safety. This is the text from a 4th of July safety briefing from my former job. My comments are behind the dash ( – ) During the past 10 years, about a third of the injuries associated with fireworks have been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks. •    Check local laws. Make sure fireworks are legal where you live. –    Unless you live in South Carolina, Houston Alaska, or on an Indian reservation, they’re illegal! That’s all part of the fun: The anticipation of getting caught… •    If legal, know what kinds are legal and what kinds aren't. –    Take it from a man with experience… The illegal ones are the most fun! •    Don't let small children play with fireworks or set them off. –    Agreed. They make better targets then partners! •    Read the warnings, rules and instructions. –    They all say the same thing: “Light fuse and get away.” I think I can handle that… •    Wear eye protection and keep all body parts out of the line of fire. –    You’ve got to be kidding… Right? •    Make sure the audience is out of range of misfired or misdirected rockets and Roman candles. –    Audience? When I set off fireworks there are only two participants: Assailants and victims! •    Set off fireworks on a hard, flat surface away from flammables. –    Wouldn’t fireworks themselves be considered “flammable”? •    Wait several minutes before walking up to a firework that didn't go off. Don't try to relight duds or misfires. Soak them in water. –    Are you kidding? Have you seen the price of these things lately? If it doesn’t go off I’m throwing a road flare at it… •    Have a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby. –    And an anonymous pre-paid cell phone with 911 on speed dial… •    Buy fireworks from reliable retailers. –    Experience has taught me that shady truck drivers that have recently crossed the Mexican border are a much better source than any “reliable retailer”. •    Never experiment with fireworks or try to make homemade ones. –    “Never” is a very strong word…” Some of us have been blessed (or cursed) with just the kind of talent and aptitude for this kind of thing… •    Avoid storing fireworks for extended periods. If you must, store them in a cool, dry place. –    Agreed. Sooner or later you’ll wind up drunk enough to have lost all sense of good judgment, but not drunk enough to have forgotten where you hid them… •    When the show is over, soak the expended fireworks and dispose of them in a trash container. –    No way! Treat that stuff as a “paper trail” that could be used as evidence against you at a later date. Bury them in a gravel pit instead. •    M-80s and "blockbusters" are not legal fireworks; they are dangerous, banned explosives. Avoid anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the product, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use. –    Unless you want to actually have any fun, that is… Have you ever tried to blow up a mail box with a Black Cat? I didn’t think so… •    If you attend a professional display: You don't need to get close. The best view is from several hundred yards away. –    But the best “shock wave” effect is best experienced by getting as close as they’ll let you. •    If debris falls nearby, don't touch it. –    Agreed. Duds, on the other hand, are fair game. •    Leave pets at home. Dogs, in particular, can have their hearing damaged by the explosions. –    And unless you enjoy cleaning up dog poop from your carpets, I’d leave them in the garage. Have a fun and safe 4th everyone! :-D

Now that's some useful information!!!

Thumper, I know you're trying to get certified but who ever does the certifying I hope they don't read your little comments, I think that could have a negative effect on you getting certified. (LOL) Personally I like your answers, and which they would finally legalize fireworks, for the 4th of July at least. It seems enough people buy and use them anyway so why not make them legal and the Govt. could at least collect the taxes on them. And the police could be put to better use than confiscating fireworks only to give them to his  own kids. Have a fun and SAFE 4th of July !!!! Dan 

Hey Thumper.... Just When I saw you name, I heard rockets wout side... must have been your intro russ